| 2024/05/18 |
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Media Statement
POLOKWANE – A self-proclaimed prophet who shot and killed a 39-year-old woman at Kuranta village in Mokwakwaila policing precinct in 2021 has been sentenced to life imprisonment and a combined 13 years for possession of unlicensed firearm, ammunition and defeating the administration of justice. Ngwako Elvis Makgotoka (32) was recently found guilty of the charges and sentenced by the Polokwane High Court on Friday, 17 May 2024. The trial court heard that on 07 August 2021, the 39-year-old woman, Thabiso Masie from Ramudumo village was shot several times after she went to assist a friend who pretended he was stuck on the road after his vehicle experienced mechanical breakdown. Upon arrival, the passenger fired several shots at the victim and fled the scene. The victim was assisted by passer-by, and she was transported to the hospital where she succumbed to the injuries upon arrival. A case of murder was opened and transferred to the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit. Detective Sergeant Eric Mathebula was assigned as the investigating officer. The self-proclaimed Pastor of The Church of Christ was arrested in October, the same year in Polokwane by the members of provincial murder and robbery unit and tracking team, while trying to flee to Gauteng province. He appeared before Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court and was denied bail. He was kept in police custody until his sentencing on Friday. The driver of the vehicle was turned into state witnesses. The accused was sentenced as follows:
Count 1- Life imprisonment The court ordered counts 2, 3, and 4 will run concurrently with count 1
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the sentencing, expressing satisfaction at the conviction, which will serve as a deterrent to others involved in such violent crimes. The General further applauded the investigating officer for the sterling work.
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